Sachin Tendulkar: A platform to express your talent is really important

T20 Mumbai League's brand ambassador Sachin Tendulkar speaks during the launch in Bandra yesterday. Pic/Suresh Karkera

Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar lauded the Mumbai Cricket Association's (MCA) initiative to launch their much-awaited T20 league for which he is the brand ambassador. Tendulkar felt the league culture which is growing rapidly across various sports, has made it possible for players to make a living out of their passionate game. "In today's day and age, youngsters can select any sport as their career and can make livelihood out of it.

So many deserving names
"I remember there are so many names in Mumbai cricket who should have played for India, but at that given moment, there wasn't a spot available for them. But they were really, really good and would have gone on to play for India. "Similarly, so many club cricketers would have gone on to play Ranji Trophy but couldn't. I think today by playing these leagues, even if you don't go on and play Ranji Trophy, you can still look after your family. "And that is the most important thing for any individual. If you can look after your family, make them feel financially secure and be the backbone of family, it is the greatest feeling anyone can get," Tendulkar said at the launch yesterday.

Stepping stone
He felt the Mumbai T20 league could prove to be a stepping stone for many youngsters. "This is where you flourish and suddenly you never know... you perform well in this tournament (and) where it might lead to. As I said, the platform to express your talent is really important," he said. "I still remember as a kid, at Shivaji Park - Kamath Memorial club - Paddy sir (Padmakar Shivalkar) would come and bowl to me."

"He was possibly thrice my age but he would bowl to me. It would be nice if youngsters are playing alongside some big names in Mumbai cricket. They will get to learn and that is something that I am looking forward to," he added. One expected Tendulkar to reflect on Mumbai's poor season, but he didn't take questions from media persons.

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